Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing semester with IFSA in Australia Past Review

By (Sociology, Colorado College) - abroad from 02/07/2015 to 06/19/2015 with

IFSA: Townsville - James Cook University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. I learned so much about myself and Australia that I will always take with me. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The rigor wasn't quite what I was used to back home, but that was okay as it allowed me to spend more time absorbing the country I was in. It was a big jump from the block plan to the semester system and I had to get used to having only 2 or 3 assignments for the semester that could be worth 50% of my grade. Some classes were better than others (one was kind of boring, one I didn't love my teacher), as tends to happen, but overall I had a good experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IFSA was fantastic. We had an advisor on campus who planned events for us and answered any questions we had. They made the transition as easy as possible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was nice being surrounded by Aussies to get real immersion, but the dorms and dorm food were mediocre. Some of the dorm culture (some freshman hazing) was hard for me to adjust to as well, as it was very different from back home.

* Food:

The dorm food was horrible, it was often questionable mush. However, there were good eateries on campus that I had to occasionally splurge for.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Dorm life was helpful for integration and I was often the only American in my classes, so it was easy to feel involved.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

IFSA was fantastic. I didn't have any big issues, but they have great health insurance and will help you every step of the way. There was a doctor's office on campus that was free with the insurance and since I was a student, so that was awesome.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in the city or on campus, though I always recommend travelling with other people.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • on-site advising/resources
  • cultural events planned by IFSA
  • orientation in Sydney
* What could be improved?
  • Warning about dorm life
  • Advice on classes at your university
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been prepared on the dorm life and hazing routines of Australian dorms. It would have been easier not to participate if I had known what to expect.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.